KVR Audio

rpm · Post by **rpm** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 9:53 pm

It's one of my first pieces of software (others are EZDrummer and Geist, the latter I haven't explored much yet). So far:
1. GUI could have been larger.
2. No easy way to save patterns in the sequencer. You have to save them as a preset and for some reason it takes about 30 seconds to save and load the presets. I don't think that's a problem with Reaper because I tested another random plugin and presets can be saved and recalled instantly. EDIT: Saving tattoo presets in Tracktion 4 works without problems, so it's partially about Reaper.
3. Strangely, Tattoo's output is much lower than the default output level of all other sound sources I use.
4. As for the synth sounds, I didn't have a particular preference (and don't have enough electronic music listening hours to know what I want) but they didn't sound inspiring by themselves. Running through Guitar Rig drum presets, they do come alive, though.
5. There are some quirks in the GUI. E.g., If I want to modulate the pan, I have to click on the panning window for that channel to get the mod sequencer to turn to panning, but clicking on the panning window changes the panning to where I click on it.
6. No standalone version. I knew that, but it still sucks a bit.
7. The randomization is indeed awesome.

I mainly got Tattoo because I wanted a drum synth to complement my drum sampler (Geist) and chose it over Tremor because of the price and lower CPU usage. Because the pattern saving is quite important and I'm having problems, I might give up on this and ask for a refund, but I'll try to solve it and play around more.

Sendy · Post by **Sendy** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 9:58 pm

I found the sound quite quiet and muffled as well, yes. A bit disappointing, given how unique and inspiring Phosphor is... but it's a different flavour, sometimes a dark sound is just what is needed in layering, and as you said, you can beef it up with distortion and other FX.

Jace-BeOS · Post by **Jace-BeOS** » Sat Apr 26, 2014 1:37 am

The title of this thread, having "tattoo" without a capital letter, confused me. i thought it was going to be about someone getting a tattoo of the AD logo

codec_spurt · Post by **codec_spurt** » Sun Apr 27, 2014 12:41 am

Ok, it's not the be all and end all.

It takes a while to figure out its finer points.

It doesn't load samples. It relies on its own sounds. They are pretty good, but could be better.

It feels like a work in progress and we are the experimental pigs.

No one cares.

codec_spurt · Post by **codec_spurt** » Sun Apr 27, 2014 12:42 am

codec_spurt wrote: No one cares.

Man.

rpm · Post by **rpm** » Sun Apr 27, 2014 9:27 am

But with MIDI out you can actually trigger samples, right? So, it's not a horrible limitation I guess, but I have yet to try that.

rpm · Post by **rpm** » Wed May 28, 2014 7:03 pm

Btw, I just sat down to write some beats with Tattoo and Tracktion and I noticed I don't know the easiest way to sequence my beats. That is, I have patterns 1, 2, 3, etc. But how program which patterns play when? The only way I could think of was to automate the "pattern" parameter. Is there an easier way? There is no song mode in Tattoo so how do you guys work this out?

EDIT: No worries, I just figured out I missed the return period but I can still exchange this for Axon which I've been wanting to try. Tattoo really doesn't work that well for me. No song mode where I can sequence patterns, don't love the sounds, I can only save my patterns only as a preset (and I lost it when I loaded the preset the next time, don't know where it disappeared). It's a good drum synth but needs some polish I think and I will work on my Geist skills instead. Just my experience, it can work very well for someone else.

Nielzie · Post by **Nielzie** » Wed May 28, 2014 7:09 pm

codec_spurt wrote:
codec_spurt wrote: No one cares.
Man.

you okay?

On topic:
I agree that strangely the output is rather quiet and wonder why. I'd like to have more volume control within the plugin instead of having to use my DAW mixer make the sound fit in the mix.

elxsound · Post by **elxsound** » Wed May 28, 2014 7:12 pm

Nielzie wrote:
codec_spurt wrote:
codec_spurt wrote: No one cares.
Man.
you okay?

Worried too.

pascalb · Post by **pascalb** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 5:22 pm

Hi
Really good sound and functionality but...
It would be good to limit higher & lower values for all modulation.
Best

thecontrolcentre · Post by **thecontrolcentre** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 5:26 pm

pascalb wrote:Hi
Really good sound and functionality but...

Currently unavailable on their site, like a few AD 'oldies'. Maybe version 2 is coming?

MitchK1989 · Post by **MitchK1989** » Fri Oct 13, 2017 8:34 pm

is this ever going to be updated and/or available again? The new AD store is still missing a ton of old products, bundles, etc.

acYm · Post by **acYm** » Fri Oct 13, 2017 9:06 pm

lol, this thread... some people really go out of their way to avoid the RTFM...

well, I sure hope there's a new tattoo coming - indeed some ranges in the sequencers would be ace, that and a better synth engine with oversampling.

pekbro · Post by **pekbro** » Fri Oct 13, 2017 10:26 pm

I’m sure a new version is in the works. No doubt it is the most complicated to rewrite out of all their products. A long turn around is to be expected I think.

-cheers

someone called simon · Sat Oct 14, 2017 12:35 am

I realllly like it because of the randomisation stuff. As well as randomising any synth parameter on playback, you can control the probability of your programmed notes playing back, plus the probablity of unprogrammed notes playing back.

I play guitar and some keys live, and use (mainly) Tattoo for rhythm tracks that aren't static for this reason. I had to go to the old site and buy it in an unprotected way coz I really wanted it.
If there is a version 2, it would be my hope that the randomisation can be tailored a little more. Every parameter can be randomised, but it's not often you want it randomised between 0–100%

Audio Damage tattoo